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Overlake Neuroscience Institute

The Overlake Neuroscience Institute is dedicated to advancing the field of neurosurgery and neurology, providing leading-edge, compassionate clinical care and conducting unparalleled research for the full range of neurological conditions. The institute's multifaceted programs encompass brain tumors, neurovascular diseases, pain, trauma and other complex conditions requiring neurosurgical intervention for adults.

We offer the full spectrum of treatment options and are developing promising protocols for neurological diseases that are extremely difficult to treat with conventional therapies. Our goal is to deliver personalized care to each patient to maximize their results.

Overlake has achieved the following recognition by Healthgrades for its stroke care:

Overlake Neuroscience Institute proudly offers some of the region's finest specialists in the diagnosis, treatment and research of a wide range of complex neurological conditions involving the brain, spine and nervous system.

Diagnostic Tests Offered

3D Angiography - Visualizes blood flow throughout the body to diagnose blockages, narrowing, or other defects of the arteries. Angiography can be done using rapid X-rays or magnetic resonance technology (called an MRA). The Overlake Neuroscience Institute offers access to the ONLY Biplane Angiography Suite on the Eastside. This allows for clearer pictures, less radiation and safer treatment when compared to conventional machines.

Biopsy of tumor - A biopsy is a procedure during which a sample of tissue is collected to be examined under a microscope.

Computed tomography (CT) - A CT is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce both horizontal and vertical cross-sectional images (often called slices) of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of the body, including bones, muscles, fat, and organs, such as the brain.

Electromyography (EMG) - An EMG measures muscle response or electrical activity in response to a nerve’s stimulation of the muscle. The test is used to help detect neuromuscular abnormalities.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - MRI uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. An MRI is very helpful for providing detailed images of the brain and spinal cord. We offer three different types of MRI scanning capabilities including a 3T magnet (for higher resolution), a wide bore magnet (for those who do not like tight spaces), and the ability to offer anesthesia for those who are unable to get an MRI due to severe claustrophobia.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) - MRS is a procedure generally used in conjunction with MRI to determine function rather than shape. This highly specialized testing capability is not available at all hospitals. Overlake Neurosicence Institute is proud to offer MRS services.

Myelogram - Myelogram is a procedure that uses a contrast substance injected into the spinal canal to make the spinal cord, spinal nerve roots and other structures clearly visible on X-rays or CT scans.

NM SPECT scan - A single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan lets your doctor analyze the function of some of your internal organs. A SPECT scan is a type of nuclear imaging test, which means it uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3-D pictures. The most common uses of SPECT are to help diagnose or monitor brain disorders and bone disorders.

Neuronavigation - In computer-assisted brain surgery, your Overlake Neuroscience Institute Neurosurgeons use 3-D models of your brain to make surgery safer, less invasive and more effective. This model allows your brain surgeon (neurosurgeon) to plan the safest way to treat your condition. During your surgery, the computer system precisely guides your surgeon to the area(s) of your brain requiring treatment. If you have a brain tumor, your surgeon may combine computer-assisted surgery with awake brain surgery. If you have epilepsy, computer-assisted surgery may involve deep brain stimulation. Overlake neurosurgeons use computer-assisted techniques to treat brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations and other lesions with precisely focused beams of radiation using stereotactic radiosurgery.

Positron emission tomography (PET) - PET is a nuclear medicine procedure that produces highly detailed information. A tiny amount of a radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is injected into a vein during the procedure to assist in the examination of the tissue being studied. Specifically, PET studies evaluate the metabolism of a particular organ or tissue so that information about the physiology (functionality) and anatomy (structure) of the organ or tissue is evaluated, as well as its biochemical properties. PET may detect biochemical changes in an organ or tissue that can identify the onset of a disease process before anatomical changes related to the disease can be seen with other imaging processes such ascomputed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Spinal tap (Also called a lumbar puncture) - During a spinal tap, a special needle is placed into the lower back until it reaches the spinal canal (the area surrounding the spinal cord). The pressure in the spinal canal and brain can then be measured. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid, the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord, can also be removed and sent for testing to determine if there are any infections or other problems.

Contact Us

Directions

Southbound: Exit I-405 at N.E. 8th St., eastbound. Merge to the left lane and turn left (north) at 116th Ave. N.E. Go past the next light and turn left at signage toward hospital parking. Turn right into the North Garage. Take the elevator to the street level and walk across the street to the Overlake Medical Tower. Overlake Neuroscience Institute is on the fifth floor.

Northbound: Exit I-405 at N.E. 4th St. Turn right on N.E. 4th St. and turn left on 116th Ave. N.E. Go past two lights and turn left at signage toward hospital parking. Turn right into the North Garage. Take the elevator to the street level and walk across the street to the Overlake Medical Tower. Overlake Neuroscience Institute is on the fifth floor.

Patient Information

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Your insurance card

Physician referral forms if required by insurance

A list of current prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, including dose and frequency